Buying crisps: how to choose the right flavour, pack size and portion

Buying crisps may seem straightforward, but the range varies considerably in flavour, size, ingredients and occasion. A small bag for on the go calls for a different choice from a crisps box for a birthday party or a large pack for a film night.

When comparing products, do not focus only on the brand name or eye-catching flavour claims. The following pitfalls are common:

• A larger pack is not always better value. Compare the price per 100 grams or per item. With multipacks, you may sometimes be paying mainly for individual packaging and additional packaging materials.
• A flavour name does not tell the whole story. “Barbecue”, “cheese” or “seafood” may be based on herbs and spices, flavourings and flavour enhancers. Always check the ingredients list.
• A resealable pack does not prevent quality loss indefinitely. Crisps stay crunchiest after opening when you seal the pack properly and store the product in a dry place.
• International snacks may contain different allergens from those you expect. Always check the current Dutch product information and the label for milk, soya, wheat, gluten, sesame or squid.

What should you look for when buying crisps?

1. Choose the right size for the occasion

For personal snacking, bags of around 60 to 90 grams are practical. They take up little space and help you stick to a set amount. For guests or crisps to share, packs of 160 to 200 grams make more sense.

A crisps multipack with small bags is useful for lunch boxes, guests or a table with a selection of flavours. A crisps box containing several varieties gives guests more choice, but do compare the total contents. The Lay’s Fun Mix Box contains 15 small packs, including paprika, cheese and salted crisps. The Mega Box contains 20 items with different potato and corn snacks.

2. Compare potato crisps with corn snacks

Potato crisps are generally made from potatoes and vegetable oil. Doritos and some Cheetos snacks are corn-based. This difference affects the texture: potato crisps are often thin or ridged, while tortilla and corn snacks can have a firmer or airier mouthfeel.

Also check the nutritional values per 100 grams. In the product information provided, the figures vary: Lay’s Cheese Onion lists 506 kcal and 28 grams of fat per 100 grams, while Doritos Nacho Cheese lists 480 kcal and 22 grams of fat. This says nothing about personal suitability, but it does make comparisons clearer.

3. Check the ingredients and allergens

The ingredients list is more important than the front of the pack. Look out for:

• Milk and cheese powder in cheese and onion crisps, Pringles Sour Cream & Onion and Doritos Nacho Cheese.
• Wheat and gluten in many seasoned crisps, tortillas and Pringles products.
• Soya in various flavourings and soya sauce powder.
• Sesame and molluscs in some international flavours, such as Lay’s Grilled Squid.
• Meat or chicken flavourings in barbecue, grilled chicken and pork flavours.

With international products, the recipe, origin and label information may differ. Use the product page as an initial guide and always check the packaging when your order arrives. Brand descriptions of flavour or preparation method come from the brand or the product information; do not treat such descriptions as an independent guarantee.

Our recommendations for different types of buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box Multipack Crisps 20 Pack

Why it suits this profile: The mix contains 20 small packs, including paprika, plain and cheese flavours. This lets you try different flavours without buying several large bags.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The contents are specified per item, so you can check the number of packs and the variety in advance.

Key benefit & advantages

20 individual portions; a combination of potato crisps and corn snacks; suitable for sharing.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking premium quality

Pringles Sour Cream & Onion - 165 g

Why it suits this profile: The distinctive shape and resealable tube are practical for drinks and nibbles, a film night or the cupboard.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 165-gram contents are clearly stated; do check the portion size and allergens such as milk and wheat.

Key benefit & advantages

165 grams; resealable tube; a clear flavour profile with sour cream and onion.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent snackers

Chacha Crispy non-fried crisps (6 flavours) 612g

Why it suits this profile: This large pack contains six flavours and is aimed at fans of Asian snacks who want plenty of variety at gatherings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The total contents and number of flavours are stated in advance. Keep opened bags tightly sealed to preserve their crunch.

Key benefit & advantages

612 grams; six flavours; suitable for sharing and for fans of international varieties.

Suitable for: Fans of spicy flavours

Pringles Hot Mexican Chili & Lime - 160 g

Why it suits this profile: The combination of chilli, lime, smoked paprika and spices is aimed at shoppers looking for spicy crisps with a distinctive flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flavour description names the key flavour components. Before buying, check the listed allergens: milk, wheat and gluten.

Key benefit & advantages

160 grams; spicy profile with chilli and lime; the tube is practical for storage.

Frequently asked questions about buying crisps

Which crisps are suitable for a party?

Choose a combination of sizes and flavours. A large bag of Lay’s Cheese Onion or Doritos Nacho Cheese works well for sharing. Add small bags from a crisps multipack for guests who would prefer their own portion or a different flavour. Paprika crisps, plain, cheese and onion crisps and barbecue crisps together provide plenty of variety.

How should you store crisps after opening?

Store crisps in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal the bag as tightly as possible or use a resealable pack. For international products, check the specific storage instructions on the label. It is best to consume an opened pack promptly, as the texture gradually changes.

What should you look for in crisps with an unusual flavour?

First check the allergens and ingredients. Flavours such as grilled squid, chicken, pork, pesto or cheese may contain molluscs, milk, soya, wheat or other ingredients respectively. Also check the net weight, nutritional values per 100 grams and best-before date. This will help you choose more suitably for your company and the occasion when you want to serve the crisps.